Manicurists and Pedicurists

What the job really is

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

At a glance

• Sector: Personal Care & Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 39-5092
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Clean and sanitize tools and work environment.
• Apply undercoat and clear or colored polish onto nails with brush.
• Maintain supply inventories and records of client services.
• Shape and smooth ends of nails, using scissors, files, or emery boards.
• Prepare nail cuticles with water and oil, using cuticle knives to push back cuticles and scissors or nippers to trim cuticles.
• Prepare customers' nails in soapy water, using swabs, files, and orange sticks.
• Remove previously applied nail polish, using liquid remover and swabs.
• Use rotary abrasive wheels to shape and smooth nails or artificial extensions.
• Schedule client appointments and accept payments.
• Assess the condition of clients' hands, remove dead skin, and massage hands.
• Roughen surfaces of fingernails, using abrasive wheel.
• Advise clients on nail care and use of products and colors.

Tools and technology

Facebook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Aknaf ADVANTAGE Salon Software and Spa Software, Appointment Search, AppointmentQuest Online Appointment Scheduler, Callus shavers, Credit card processing machines, Customer information databases, Cuticle knives, Cuticle nippers, Cuticle pushers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
• Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
• Skincare Specialists
• Barbers
• Shampooers
• Furniture Finishers
• Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
• Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Manicurists and Pedicurists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.